Crusader fuel issue

Luhr'd Away · Feb-01-2008, 08:47 PM

Thought I would inquire to see if anyone may have a solution for a fuel issue on 454 Crusaders. It seems that I am consistantly pulling more fuel from the port tank. I have changed all the fuel lines, changed all the filters, cleaned the inline filter, etc. The only thing I have not done was change the fuel pump on the starboard motor. When I purchased the boat, the port fuel filter was bad and I just changed the fuel filter on the gen set do to a bad diafram. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. The motors only have 250 hours since rebuild. I will repower with diesal, but that is a couple years off. In the interim, I just want to fish. Thanks all!

ConSeaMate · Feb-01-2008, 08:53 PM

What's the difference?.......Do you have gas switches?.....that swich between tanks?.....left....right.... both???....maybe one side is running off both tanks?...

Luhr'd Away · Feb-01-2008, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarpDrive

What's the difference?.......Do you have gas switches?.....that swich between tanks?.....left....right.... both???....maybe one side is running off both tanks?...

I do have petcock switches. The port still draws more fuel. In fact, we ran out of fuel hopping and come to find out I had 3/4 of a tank in the starboard tank. Maybe the tank is clogged? But the tanks were replaced about four (4) years ago when the rebuild was completed. I'm stumped.

Bank Robber · Feb-01-2008, 09:11 PM

Does the genset pull from both tanks?? Also timing and carb adjustment.
Over the course of about 100 gal I pull about 3 to 4 gal more on my starboard tank but I think its because I favor that engine for maneuvering.

ConSeaMate · Feb-01-2008, 09:14 PM

Maybe the petcock has been turned to where one engine is running on both tanks....

Luhr'd Away · Feb-01-2008, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bank Robber

Does the genset pull from both tanks?? Also timing and carb adjustment.
Over the course of about 100 gal I pull about 3 to 4 gal more on my starboard tank but I think its because I favor that engine for maneuvering.

Just rebuilt the carb. I have not had an opportunity to check the vaccum. The genset runs off the tank I select as I have a 100 gallon aboandond tank which was for the genset. I sent the old owner an e-mail asking why he teminated that tank. Have not checked the timing yet either.

gecsr1 · Feb-02-2008, 07:30 AM

Is your port motor reverse rotation, sometimes they just burn a little more fuel, 3/4 gallons on a hundred burned is only 3 or 4 % more fuel burned. add that with ..if you have the gen set on the same tank.... that may be some answer ....

I don't think any two motors will burn the exact same amont of fuel. but I hve been wrong before....

Luhr'd Away · Feb-02-2008, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gecsr1

Is your port motor reverse rotation, sometimes they just burn a little more fuel, 3/4 gallons on a hundred burned is only 3 or 4 % more fuel burned. add that with ..if you have the gen set on the same tank.... that may be some answer ....

I don't think any two motors will burn the exact same amont of fuel. but I hve been wrong before....

Yes, counter rotation. But the difference is significant, 1 gal Star/ 20+ port. I switch the genset back and forth. I do know there is one filter on the backside of the motor that has not been changed and I have not changed th fuel pump on that motor.

gecsr1 · Feb-02-2008, 10:37 AM

Are the fuel tanks tied together? port tank 100 gal, starboard tank 100 gal, starborad mtr uses 1 gal, port mtr uses 20 gal is that what i understand
or
port tanks draws down 20 gal. and starboard tanks draws down 1 gal.

1. how are you getting the gal amounts? gauges or on fill up?

sickcat · Feb-02-2008, 12:28 PM

If I read correctly you pull from both tanks at the same time? If it were me I would isolate the tanks - one to port and one to starboard with an emergency cross over which would normally be closed. Figure out which uses less fuel and use that side for the genny. It doesn't take much restriction to favor one tank over the other when running both tanks as one. Are both fuel line runs pretty equal with the length of run and fittings involved? It is possible that a valve or fitting (like a check valve) on the starboard side is restricting flow or as you already mention a restriction with the fuel pickup. Also any list will certainly cause the lower tank to draw considerably easier.

captainelfshoe · Feb-03-2008, 11:26 AM

are u sure that you don't have a whole in your tank

lokegirl48 · Feb-03-2008, 12:19 PM

I am curious, you have not mentioned anything about performance. If you have a restriction or "off" timing, basically anything you would have a problem. Although I would think you would smell a problem it sounds like a leak. Check your overflow vent on the hullside, is there evidence there, sometimes a restriction will cause back pressure and fuel to go there. just a thought...